The snake represents aversion or anger this is because it will be aroused and strike at the slightest touch. The pig stands for ignorance this comparison is based on the Indian concept of a pig being the most foolish of animals, since it sleeps in the dirtiest places and eats whatever comes to its mouth. They represent the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. In the hub of the wheel are three animals: a pig, a snake, and a bird. The Buddha is pointing to the moon, indicating that liberation from samsara is possible. The moon above the wheel indicates liberation. The fierce being holding the wheel represents impermanence this symbolizes that the entire process of samsara or cyclic existence is impermanent, transient, constantly changing. The fourth and outer layer of the wheel symbolizes the twelve links of dependent origination these links indicate how the sources of suffering-the three poisons and karma-produce lives within cyclic existence. Karma in turn gives rise to the six realms, which represent the different types of suffering within samsara. Symbolically, the three inner circles, moving from the center outward, show that the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion give rise to positive and negative actions these actions and their results are called karma. The Buddha pointing to the moon indicates that liberation is possible. The moon above the wheel represents liberation from samsara or cyclic existence. The fierce figure holding the wheel represents impermanence. The fourth layer represents the twelve links of dependent origination. The third layer represents the six realms of samsara. The images in the hub of the wheel represent the three poisons of ignorance, attachment and aversion. The meanings of the main parts of the diagram are: So these images on the Wheel of Life are just to communicate to the general audience. One of the reasons why the Wheel of Life was painted outside the monasteries and on the walls (and was really encouraged even by the Buddha himself) is to teach this very profound Buddhist philosophy of life and perception to more simple-minded farmers or cowherds.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |